Mulled Cranberry Cider

Cider was a favorite of early American settlers. It was often served mulled, which means heated with sugar and spices. The children enjoyed theirs fresh, or “sweet,” while the adults drank “hard,” or fermented, cider.

Ingredients

8 cups (2 quarts) cranberry juice cocktail

3 cups frozen unsweetened red raspberries, thawed and slightly mashed

6 cinnamon sticks, each 3 inches long

1 1/2 teaspoons whole cloves

1 vanilla bean, split

4 cups (1 quart) apple cider, at room temperature

How to make it

1

In a large saucepan, bring the cranberry juice, raspberries, cinnamon sticks, cloves and vanilla bean to a boil over high heat. Lower the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes.

2

Strain through a tea strainer or a sieve lined with 100% cotton cheesecloth into a large heatproof pitcher. Carefully pour in cider. Stir gently. Makes: twelve 8-ounce servings.